How to Build an Easy Desk

Lay the 80-by-32 inch hollow door blank on a flat surface. Use the 120-grit sandpaper to work the edges and any rough spots you may find. Perform a single pass over the entire door to create a perfectly smooth and desk-like result.

Cut the pieces to use as the leg structures for your desk. Use the circular saw to cut four 2-by-4 inch studs to a length of 28 inches. Cut two more 2-by-4 inch studs to a length of 26 inches. Cut two 1-by-4 inch boards to a length of 26 inches. Use the 120-grit sandpaper to smooth over all of the cut lumber.

Turn the desktop over so it is face down. Lay one 26 inch stud flush across the edge of the desktop to form the skirt. Stand two 28 inch studs at each corner of the skirt to form the legs. Apply a bead of wood glue between the top end of the leg and the skirt, then drive your 1 1/2 inch finishing nails through the skirt and into the top of the legs with your hammer. Do not attach the legs and skirt to the desktop yet. Remove them from the desktop. Use the tape measure to find a spot 8 inches above the bottom of the two legs. Lay the 26 inch 1-by-4 across the two legs so its top edge sits along the inside of the leg at the 8 inch mark. This will serve as a leg brace. Use the wood glue and nails to fasten it in place. Repeat the same process at the other end of the desktop. Allow both leg structures to dry according to the glue manufacturer's recommendations before moving on.

Use the drill to make one pilot hole through the leg brace and into each leg, where the three pieces meet. Use the screwdriver to install number 8 screws into the holes. Use the drill to make two pilot holes at the corners where the tops of the legs meet the skirts. The holes should go through the skirt and the leg completely. Slide the 3 inch carriage bolts into the holes and use the screwdriver and ratchet set to tighten.

With the desktop face-down, and with the help of an assistant, stand the two leg structures on top of it. Make sure the legs are in the proper position at either end of the desktop. Use the circular saw to cut two 2-by-4 inch studs to a length of 74 inches. Lay the two studs at the front and back of the desktop so they fit between the two leg structures. These will serve as the front and back long skirts. Use the hammer and 1-1/2 inch finishing nails to fasten the skirts in place. Leave a bit of the nail head sticking out so it can be removed later to make room for carriage bolts. Turn the desk over and check that everything is even and straight.

Remove the finishing nails and use your drill to make two pilot holes through each end of the front and back skirts and legs. Make sure these holes are clear of the existing carriage bolts. Install your carriage bolts into each hole using your screwdriver and ratchet set.

Move under the standing desk and use your pencil to mark the edges of the skirts all the way around the underside of the desktop. Remove the desktop and place strips of scrap wood along the lines. Use your screwdriver and small wood screws to hold the strips in place. Replace the desktop onto the framework and use your new desk.